You have likely seen someone on social media, tv or in the magazines recently that look frozen and unnatural, this could be due to excess fillers. With the rise in popularity of this treatment, the number of clinics offering this service has surged. Unfortunately, this can mean some clinics provide the service without their staff having sufficient training in facial anatomy.

In this article we’ll cover some of the risks associated with dermal fillers, how to choose the right provider, what to expect from the procedure and the benefits when it is administered correctly.

Choosing the right plastic surgeon

Choosing the right plastic surgeon is critical to achieving natural, long lasting results. At Mark Lee Specialist Plastic Surgeon, our dermal fillers are administered by highly experienced, accredited and registered nurses and overseen by one of our plastic surgeons.

Before the procedure we offer a comprehensive consultation, which assesses your suitability for the treatment. We analyse your face, discuss your treatment goals and ask about any medical conditions you may have or any medications that you may be taking. We then determine the best product for your treatment and address any concerns that you may have.

Choosing the right procedure

Dr Mark Lee works closely with each of our patients to ensure we provide the right procedure to achieve the desired results. For example, a non-surgical nose job, could be a great option for some depending on their desired results. However, if this is not administered correctly it can cause disproportionate widening of the nasal bridge – dubbed Avatar nose.

Other procedures that we often see go wrong are overfilling of the chin resulting in an unnatural, sharp chin, overfilling of the forehead which removes natural contours, and filler fatigue. To avoid filler fatigue which requires patients to have frequent top-ups to avoid saggy looking skin, as well as other complications, choosing the right surgeon who tailors the treatment to your skin and unique concerns is vital.

What to expect during the procedure

Depending upon the extent of your treatment, the procedure will last anywhere from a few minutes to one hour. The area will be cleaned and a topical anaesthetic or an injection of local anaesthetic will be administered to numb the treatment area. Then a precise amount of hyaluronic acid filler will be injected beneath the skin. The treatment area is then massaged and the results are evaluated. If needed, additional filler will be added.

After the procedure, you may experience some mild redness, stinging, swelling or bruising on the treatment area. This is temporary and should subside within a few days, with most patients able to resume normal activities, such as work, immediately afterwards. In some cases, you may be asked to refrain from strenuous exercise for 48 hours following the treatment.

Possible Risks

When considering both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures, it’s critical to understand what you are committing to, including all of the benefits and risks associated with the treatment. In rare cases, dermal fillers have caused some individuals to become blind or have a stroke. This occurs when the injection hits the blood vessel and blocks it. Other complications include allergic reactions, vascular complications, scarring, asymmetry, inflammation, and bump formation.

The benefits when administered correctly

There is a reason that dermal fillers are one of the most popular facial rejuvenation techniques out there today. When administered correctly, the results are immediate, they smooth out your wrinkles and re-volumise your face. Patients can look significantly younger after their treatment, yet still natural and like themselves, with the results lasting anywhere from six to eighteen months.

To learn more, view our 3D simulation on Hyaluronic Acid Fillers or book in for a free consultation with Dr Mark Lee to discuss your individual needs